COURSE OVERVIEW
COURSE OVERVIEW
Understanding the momentous role that genres play in the history of contemporary music is essential for every songwriter. Across six weeks, this online course explores a selection of musical genres, identifying the key songwriting techniques within each, and investigating their historical and cultural impact across the ages.
You’ll study five different genres in-depth, undertaking weekly songwriting assignments, and receiving video feedback on your submitted work from your tutor. By the end of the course you’ll have developed five new genre-specific song ideas, plus will have completed one finished song in a genre of your choice. You’ll also undertake a research project, delving more deeply into one particular genre, and will take part in a series of interviews with industry professionals highly experienced in writing across the genres covered.
Songwriting: Content and Genre is a highly practical course designed by ICMP tutors and industry professionals Sophie Daniels, Tim Elsenburg, Jonathan Whiskerd and hosted by tutor Megan O’Neill. ICMP has an acclaimed Songwriting department, being one of the first institutions in the world to offer a dedicated bachelor’s degree in Songwriting, with this team responsible for the development of that course.
Weekly Video Feedback
+121 lesson time
Across the six weeks, you’ll access the course material via weekly video lessons and will be supported in your journey with plenty of one-to-one time with tutor Megan to discuss your approach to your coursework, clarify anything in your weekly lessons, and discuss the video feedback you receive for each assignment. Despite being online, the course will possess a strong classroom feel, with regular personal interaction, class discussion and student engagement encouraged. You also retain access to the course content at the end of the six-week period so you can review it whenever you need to.
What’s covered?
Module 1: Introduction to the relationship between genre and content
In this module, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the history of genres and their origin journeys, and will learn how to be analytical in your discussions surrounding them.
Module 2: Pop music
This module will see you examine the history and context of pop music, its lyrics, songwriting techniques and many different subgenres.
Module 3: Folk and country
In this module, you’ll explore the breadth and depth of the niche yet hugely popular folk/country genre, particularly focusing on lyrics and song structure.
Module 4: Electronica
This module covers the history and societal context of the rise of electronic music, including the early years of hip-hop, ‘80s synth music, sampling, the birth of rave culture and more.
Module 5: Rock
As one of the most varied contemporary music genres, you’ll explore the full scope of rock – from blues, punk and glam to indie, metal and beyond.
Module 6: Soul and R&B
This module explores the colourful history of soul and R&B, along with their tried and tested songwriting techniques, genre boundaries and subtle nuances.
Course start dates
• Tues 18th August 2020
• Tues 22nd September 2020
Price
£199
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Key facts
- Weekly private video feedback with an ICMP songwriting expert
- 121 lesson time during your course
- Structured 6 week online course including high quality HD videos and support materials
- Student discussion forum
- Download all course materials
- 6 week course and only £199
- Next start date: Tues 18th August
